Food Philosophy #62: Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Food Philosophy #62: Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Drop the chalupa! At least the one you think you know is an actual chalupa. When Chef Mark and I wrapped up shooting of our new On the Tequila Trail series, we headed to La Tequila restaurant in Guadalajara with our friends from Partida -- and got a taste of the real thing.

From fried cheese to fried ice cream and every taste in between (including a bevy of adult beverages), we savored the spicy, smoky and rich flavors for which Mexican cuisine is legendary. We also had a chance to explore some of Mexico's myths and legends, of which there are many.

When it came to the drinks -- particularly my new favorite, the Partida Margarita -- I took matters into my own hands and starting mixing right at the table, so this meal definitely had some interesting moments! I think Chef Mark might have even gotten a little tipsy...

Psst...We have some new sponsors on Food Philosophy, including the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics line of kitchen appliances in cool colors. Find out exactly what I'm going to do with my new stand mixer -- and whom I'm challenging to a cookie bake-off!

Sponsors:

Partida Tequila (www.partidatequila.com)

Don't miss our video podcast series with Partida, On the Tequila Trail!
(onthetequilatrail.podshow.com)

Hamilton Beach (http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/)

Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).






food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, Hamilton Beach, Eclectrics, Partida Tequila, Mexico

On the Tequila Trail #3: Sip It, Don't Slam It - How to Taste Tequila

On The Tequila Trail #3: Sip It, Don't Slam It - How to Taste Tequila

Join Chef Mark at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco with proprietor Julio Bermejo, the foremost tequila expert in the US, as he shows Mark how to taste fine 100% agave tequila. We learn about the taste characteristics which distinguish the Amatitan Valley from the Highlands, and the differences in flavor, aroma, and mouth feel between Partida Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.


On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at http://www.talkingtaco.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-2665933-6662233?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=talking+taco+music+&x=0&y=0.


food, food podcast , tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

On the Tequila Trail #2: Rocks, No Salt - Luscious Tequila Cocktails

On The Tequila Trail #2: Rocks, No Salt - Luscious Tequila Cocktails

Join Jennifer in San Francisco as she mixes it up a little with Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout, who shows us just how versatile tequila can be as a cocktail base.

Jacques goes to the market with Chef Mark to shop for the freshest ingredients, then they head back to Tommy's Mexican Restaurant where he demonstrates several drinks with using Partida Tequila.

On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (www.culinarymedianetwork.com).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at www.talkingtaco.com or www.amazon.com.


food, food podcast , tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

On the Tequila Trail #1: The Soul of Tequila

On The Tequila Trail #1: The Soul of Tequila

Join Chef Mark and Jennifer as they explore the Amitatan Valley of Jalisco, Mexico to discover the true soul of tequila.

Don Enrique Partida, who has spent his life growing blue agave, shares his poetic expression and passion for the plant. His estate-grown agave is cultivated, roasted and distilled to make Partida Tequila -- and you'll get to see every step of the fascinating process. But you won't find any worms!


On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at www.talkingtaco.com or www.amazon.com.

food, food podcast, tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

Chef Mark in USA Today

The AP published an article today on the growing popularity of personal chefs -- starring our very own Chef Mark. Congratulations!

It appears in the business section of USA Today, but you can see the AP version here:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g4aOK0HuId1Q6oWOGzIM5h9Rtf_QD8S5SKFG1

Excerpt below:

Mark Tafoya, who owns the New York-based ReMARKable Palate personal chef service, cooks for regular weekly clients and also offers one-time meal services, such as romantic dinners for two.

Tafoya prepares the meals in the client's home, with the dishes ranging from chicken enchiladas with a green tomatillo sauce to crab lasagna with bechamel sauce.

For regular clients, the week's meals are discussed in advance and are created in accordance with their dietary needs and personal tastes. Organic, vegetarian and kosher options are available and nothing is repeated for six months unless requested, he said.

Tafoya said that by cooking for the same clients over a long time, he's able to develop a kind of intimacy and customization that restaurant chefs just aren't able to.

"I think that when I do hit it off and when they like my food and I understand them and what they like to eat, I can suggest new dishes that they might not have tried before, but I think might be right for them," Tafoya said.

Tafoya said he was drawn to the profession after careers in acting and teaching. He saw it as a way to turn his love of food and cooking into a viable business.

Along with the ReMARKable Palate, Tafoya also is the co-owner and executive chef of The Gilded Fork, an online media company featuring recipes, podcasts and articles and blogs about food.

Tafoya said his typical weekly clients are incredibly busy, career-oriented people who don't have time to cook, but still appreciate a quality meal.



gilded fork, food, food writing, personal chefs, Chef Mark Tafoya

Food Philosophy #61: Super Secret Project Revealed!

Food Philosophy #61: Super Secret Project Revealed!

Ah, you have been so patient with my hints about our Super Secret Project, and today you'll find out just what it is! Chef Mark and I have spent the past few months "On the Tequila Trail", which is also the name of our new video series sponsored by Partida Tequila. Join us on the road as we show you everything from the agave plants in Amatitan to cocktails and tastings around the U.S. -- not to mention that tequila should be sipped, not slammed.

Episode 1: The Soul of Tequila
http://onthetequilatrail.podshow.com/

I also share my thoughts about our recent travels, and some musings on the fantasy land that is Las Vegas -- where I discovered the *best* Thai food I've ever tasted. We also had a chance to sit down with Ariane Daguin to talk about our other favorite taste: foie gras.

Lotus of Siam
http://www.saipinchutima.com/

D'Artagnan
http://www.dartagnan.com/


Sponsor: Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

Music: Beau Hall (www.beaurocks.com)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (www.culinarymedianetwork.com).





food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, On the Tequila Trail, Partida Tequila, Las Vegas, Lotus of Siam

Italy Photos

The scenery in Italy was gorgeous, and I don't just mean the men. You can see a visual recap of our adventures on my Flickr page:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foodphilosophy

Food Philosophy #60: Sicily and the Mediterranean Diet

Food Philosophy #60: Sicily and the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is much more than a diet -- it's a lifestyle. Happily, olive oil plays a big part in that, and this week I'm talking to some experts on the subject of olive oil and living well. Join me as I speak with Dr. Fausto Luchetti and K. Dun Gifford about Sicilian olive oil, their work to advocate the Mediterranean diet, and the new Sicilian Regional Institute of Olives and Oil.

I also caught up with renowned restaurateur Tony May to talk about his adventures with other restaurant owners as they travel through Italy tasting and sipping (I need to get in on that group).

P.S. Don't miss next week's three-part video of our eating tour of the Lower East Side, coming out on Food Philosophy, ReMARKable Palate and All You Can Eat!


Sponsor: Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Podcast Network (http://www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com/).





food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, Sicily, olive oil

Fork in the Road SudTirol

A Fork in The Road SudTirol

Jennifer and Mark report from the back of the bus while driving through the winding roads of SudTirol. Learn about the production of Speck.

A Fork in the Road is a production of the Culinary Podcast Network. www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com




www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com
food, food podcast, Italy, Fork in the Road, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork